Injury Scare for Wriddhiman Saha Ahead of Sri Lanka Series
Wriddhiman Saha injured his thumb on the first day of the Duleep Trophy semi-final vs South Zone and did not come out to bat on Friday as East Zone's innings was terminated at 62/9. He has been selected to play for India in the first three ODIs vs Sri Lanka after Mahendra Singh Dhoni was rested.
© BCCI
Bengal wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha, who was selected to replace skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the India squad for the first three ODIs against Sri Lanka starting from November 2, was left with a bruised thumb in East Zone's humiliating Duleep Trophy semi-final loss by an innings and 118 runs against South.
East were bundled out for 84 in the first innings and their second essay was terminated at 62/9 as Saha did not come out to bat in Lahli. Saha had bagged a golden duck in the first innings.
Saha, who turned 30 on Friday, had injured the area between the right thumb and the index finger during the final session of play on the first day. After debuting for India in 2010, the Bengal lad has managed to play only two Tests and six ODIs, thanks to Dhoni's sustained form.
The Sri Lanka series was seen as a good opportunity for Saha, who has made his mark with Kings XI Punjab, to leave a strong impression on the selectors.
Saha was last picked for India in June this year, when senior cricketers, including Dhoni and Virat Kohli were rested. If he fails to recover in time, the selectors have the likes of Sanju Samson and even Robin Uthappa to pick from. Uthappa too has been impressive in his stint as wicketkeeper-batsman for Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League and Champions League Twenty20.